A PAIR OF NIGERIAN BRASS OGBA ANKLETS

Each of disc form, with incised and punched geometric decoration, approx diameter 35cm 

Provenance:

Reputedly given to Reginald Arthur Roberts, whilst he was the Colonial Service Resident in Onitsha from 1906. Part of this province included Awka, where these types of anklets were mostly manufactured.

Condition report:

- Several old patch repairs to the insides
- Build up of verdigris and tarnishing throughout
- Slightly bent and misshapen 

Footnote:

Brass anklets such as this (known locally as 'ogba' or 'adala') were worn by the wives of Igbo men of rank and status. They were made by specialist blacksmiths who cold hammered the brass into these striking forms. Once attached they were sometimes worn permanently into middle age. They were usually made in matching pairs with geometric and zoomorphic surface decoration including spirals representing snakes; radial lines suggesting the sun's rays; arcs or wavy lines representing water; and depictions of lizards or crocodiles.